The Phoenix Suns had found their groove in recent games.
Previously struggling with four losses in six games due to injuries to starting point guard Chris Paul and starting forward Cameron Johnson, the Suns won two straight and reascended to first place in the Western Conference. Phoenix, which is in the midst of seven home games over a nine-contest stretch, only has more opportunities to improve before Paul returns from heel soreness.
Friday against the Detroit Pistons, the Suns had a chance to extend their streak against the worst team in the Eastern Conference. Detroit was without four regular starters — point guard Cade Cunningham, guard Jaden Ivey, forward Saddiq Bey and center Isaiah Stewart — giving Phoenix an even better chance to win one day after Thanksgiving.